A business owner has called thieves 'heartless' after a giant novelty lollipop was stolen from his shop on Valentine's Day.

Lawrence Stafrace, from Salvina's Traditional English Sweets in Lowestoft noticed his brightly-coloured foam lollipop was missing from his store yesterday afternoon.

Mr Stafrace said: 'The lollipops outside represent that it is a sweet shop, it is a part of the sweet shop.

'It is just heartless - especially on Valentine's Day. It is just so upsetting.'

The 51-year-old and his business partner, Glenn Cracknell, have been on the high street for five years, and said this is the first time the novelty lollipop has been taken.

Both men said they were 'very upset' someone in Lowestoft would treat a small business 'with such disrespect'.

While the lollipop, which is made out of foam, was inexpensive and could be remade, the business owners said they were 'disappointed'.

Mr Stafrace said: 'We are here for the families and their children to keep the tradition of old English sweets in the town.

'These lollipops represent Salvina's traditional English sweet shop. Customers take photos in our lollipops standing near them and it has become a kind of land mark for our sweet shop. People like the lollipop.'

Suffolk police confirmed they received a report that a 'large fake lollipop made from swimming floats' was stolen at 3.25pm from outside a shop on High Street in Lowestoft.

The business owner said: 'Have the decency to bring it back, but I very much think you will not.

'If you bring it back personally to me there will be no questions asked,' he said.

CCTV from the Triangle on the High Street of Lowestoft captured a couple walk past the lollipop and take it from outside the store.

A male wearing a dark-coloured jacket then handed the giant lollipop over to a woman, who was wearing also wearing a black coat. The pair then continued walking up street.

If anyone has seen the large stolen lollipop or knows any information about its whereabouts or the identity of those involved, please call Suffolk Police on 101.

Anyone wishing to return the lollipop to the store call contact the owners of Salvina's Traditional Sweets on their Facebook page or call 07434 835727.